Move follows rebel attack on capital said to be supported by Sudanese

Below:

Next story in Africa

N’DJAMENA, Chad — Chad broke off relations with Sudan on Friday and ordered Sudanese diplomats to leave the country following a rebel attack on N’Djamena the president said was supported by Sudan.

President Idriss Deby also said he would expel all 200,000 Sudanese refugees now living in Chad if the U.N. and the African Union did not help stop what he said were Sudan’s attempts to destabilize his government.

“The international community has been totally deaf and dumb on the situation between Sudan and Chad,” Deby said following an emergency Cabinet meeting. They “need to understand the situation and that enough is enough.”

International community condemns attacks
The U.N. Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council both condemned Thursday’s rebel attack on N’Djamena and called for Chad and Sudan to take the necessary steps to prevent any more violence or an escalation of tensions.

At least 350 people died during Thursday’s assault on Chad’s capital. Gen. Mahamet Ali Abdullah said he did not have a breakdown of the dead but said the toll included government troops, rebel forces and civilians.

He said the army captured 271 rebels and 14 pickups they used.

“After the battle yesterday morning, military and security forces mopped-up in the city outskirts, taking out the rebels in their hiding places,” he said, insisting there was no immediate threat of another attack.